Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for New York State Senate 9th District

The 9th Senate District stretches along the Nassau-Queens border from Floral Park to Long Beach, covering communities from the Five Towns to Valley Stream to Oceanside. It's a diverse district with myriad needs that requires a representative who understands the peculiar ways of Albany.

In her first term, Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick has shown she can do just that.

The Malverne Republican's most significant challenge was navigating Equinor's proposal to build a wind farm off the coast of Long Beach — which the community opposed. She was right to criticize the company's lack of communication and community involvement and to battle back when outside senators attempted to circumvent her. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said that while Equinor's effort was not the answer, she's not opposed to offshore wind as long as the proposal reflects local input.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick seeks similar community input on plans for a casino at the Nassau Hub, since some neighborhoods in the 9th District could be affected. But Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick notes that despite some community opposition, she recognizes the casino's potential job creation opportunities and broader economic impact and would support the effort.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, who turns 59 this month, also understands the need for housing, citing the potential for redevelopment efforts in Inwood, for example. She supports universal school meals and has proposed using state funds to put a mental health professional in every school.

James Lynch is a psychiatrist who emphasizes that the state is "well-off" and suggests additional Albany funding as the magic wand for nearly every district and Island-wide need. Albany, he said, should fund magnet and specialty schools across Long Island, renewable energy priorities, housing incentives, and more. But the Stewart Manor Democrat, a former village trustee, lacks specifics and an understanding of the state budget's complexities and constraints.

Lynch, 59, said he rides the Long Island Rail Road and personally favors congestion pricing, but would oppose it in Albany to accede to his constituents' wishes. "I'm assuming that's my job," he said. He also strongly opposes a casino at the Nassau Hub, saying it "serves no economic value to the people of Nassau County" and that public land should be limited to "public benefit" purposes.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick has proved herself to be a strong, able voice. That voice will be important on coastal resiliency and other issues critical to her communities; prioritizing that will be key.

Newsday's editorial board endorses Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.